On campus, the dining hall is a core aspect of college life, a place where you can grab a plate, sit with friends, recharge and refuel before your next class. However, for students like me with a wide range of food allergies, the experience can feel less like a convenience and more like a challenge.

"The issue is truly not about being a picky eater or a matter of personal preference; it’s about being safe."

— Kasey Becola

The issue is truly not about being a picky eater or a matter of personal preference; it’s about being safe. Even something as simple as a piece of fruit or a bowl of rice can feel like a win when I know it has been prepared safely. Every time I swipe my card and approach the food stations, I’m left wondering: Will there be anything I can safely eat today? Is this labeled correctly? Was it prepared in a space without cross-contamination? Too often, the answers are unclear and when the choices are already limited, this uncertainty makes each meal much more difficult.

Even the designated allergy section, while very helpful in reducing cross-contamination risks, can be hard to depend on. More often than not, it is low on stock or has very few options available. While the idea behind this section is thoughtful, in practice it sometimes leaves students like me walking away with only a portion of a meal, needing to put together bits and pieces that don’t always feel balanced or safe.

Luckily, I have been able to at least find something small each time I eat on campus, whether from the salad bar or another station, however, it often feels repetitive and limiting. For students who rely on meal plans, this can make daily meals frustrating, as they can feel almost like a gamble.

While spontaneity can be meaningful in other aspects of life, allergies make dining something that has to be carefully considered. I can not simply grab whatever looks good, instead, it is an intentional act, to look closely at ingredients and to value the meals I know are safe.

It has become part of my routine out of necessity to bring food and carry snacks with me even on days I plan to grab a meal on campus, simply because this is often the safer or more fulfilling option. While I have grown up with allergies and adapting to situations like this is nearly second nature, it should not have to feel like you are jumping through hoops to find safe foods. For this reason, it can be discouraging. Even if I wanted to purchase a full meal plan, I feel I would not have enough variety to sustain a complete diet.

Everything said, I would like to recognize the dining staff. Many go out of their way to answer questions or check ingredients, taking time to ensure students on campus feel cared for even when the options are limited. And despite the challenges, sharing meals with friends and building community remains one of the most cherished aspects of my college experience thus far.

With a few adjustments, I believe this is a problem that can be addressed. More consistent stocking of the allergy-friendly section and clearer labeling would go a long way in making the dining hall feel safer and more welcoming for everyone. Even small steps, such as communicating when allergy-safe meals are running low or offering a wider variety of simple, safe staples, could make a world of a difference.

College is already full of challenges and finding safe meals should not be one of them. With these few changes, dining services could foster an environment where students with allergies and other dietary restrictions feel both supported and assured that their health is a priority. After all, food not only plays a central role in bringing people together, but aids in making a place a home.